Chapter 1The Mastermind Girlfriend and the Reality TV Trap

On a reality TV trivia show, my boyfriend cruised through the competition, reaching the finals.

During a commercial break interview, the host asked if he had a girlfriend.

"The moment I saw her, I even had our future kids' names picked out. Now, I'm just waiting for her answer."

In that highly anticipated moment, the production team had prepared a "surprise" for him.

His childhood sweetheart, who had gone abroad to study, floated onto the stage like a fairy.

She shyly said, "My answer is... I do."

Under the bright studio lights, I saw Ethan's panicked eyes searching the vast audience until they locked onto mine.

Meanwhile, I, his actual girlfriend, calmly started a live stream outside the studio.

"Taking suggestions for my ex-boyfriend's baby names. If I pick yours, I'll send you an $800 cash prize."

* * *

One hour earlier.

At the filming of the Ultimate Brainpower reality show.

My boyfriend, Ethan, had crushed the competition, making it all the way to the finals.

With his high IQ and incredibly handsome, clean-cut looks, it was almost a given that he would win.

As there was only one final question left in the championship round, the production team suddenly built up the suspense and cut to a commercial break.

They started interviewing Ethan.

He smiled softly at the camera and said he was waiting for someone's answer.

This sparked a flurry of speculation among the audience about whether he was going to reveal his girlfriend.

This was a classic reality TV trope: right before announcing the winner, throw in a tear-jerking moment to generate buzz and trending topics.

Watching the broadcast monitor in the waiting area, my best friend, who came with me, nudged my arm playfully.

"Tsk, tsk. He's already got the kids' names picked out? Is Ethan planning to go public with you? He's barely famous and he's already revealing his relationship. He must really be afraid of losing you."

I smiled but didn't say anything as the makeup artist worked on me.

"No way, girl! Are you Ethan's girlfriend? Omg, can you get me an autograph later? My little niece is obsessed with him!" the makeup artist said, her eyes sparkling.

I replied calmly, "No problem. I've got you covered."

Ethan probably didn't know I was here. Otherwise, with his shy personality, how would he dare confess his love on national television?

If an acquaintance on the production team hadn't contacted me saying they wanted to give Ethan a surprise, I wouldn't have just shown up out of the blue.